AARON HARPER FROM BEDWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING CHILDREN IN WARWICKSHIRE

In December 2008, a disturbing case emerged from Bedworth involving Aaron Harper, a 24-year-old man whose actions have shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about child safety. Harper was found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young girl, including sexual assault and the possession of child sexual abuse imagery.

Harper's criminal activities came to light after investigations revealed that he had downloaded and possessed indecent images of children. The severity of his offenses was compounded by his direct abuse of a six-year-old girl, whom he coerced into performing a sexual act on him. The girl recounted that Harper had forced her to engage in this act on approximately four separate occasions when she was between six and seven years old.

Harper appeared before Warwick Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to three charges of raping a child under the age of 13. Additionally, he requested that 17 other charges related to the making of indecent images be taken into account during sentencing. The court heard that Harper's criminal history included a previous conviction from 2001 for indecently assaulting a woman after drugging her, indicating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Recorder Adrian Redgrave QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Harper to an 11-year prison term. However, he emphasized the dangerous nature of Harper's offenses and ordered that Harper serve a minimum of five and a half years before being eligible for parole. The judge explicitly stated that Harper's actions posed a serious risk to the public and that his conduct warranted a form of life imprisonment in terms of potential danger.

Furthermore, Harper was subjected to a sexual offences prohibition order, which prohibits him from engaging in activities such as working with children or in roles that involve vulnerable individuals. He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities after his release from prison.

Prosecutor Iain Willis detailed the disturbing nature of Harper's abuse, highlighting the young girl’s testimony about her repeated victimization. The court's decision reflects the gravity of Harper's crimes and the community's need for protection from individuals who pose such a significant threat to children and society at large.